Guidelines & Rules
Supporting Fairness in Bridleless Competition
Welcome to the official guidelines & rules. Here we outline what you need to know for video submission, eligibility, and participation to ensure every horse and rider pair can compete fairly and safely.
Eligibility & Requirements
Rider Eligibility
- Open to riders of all levels
- Competitors under 18 must have parent/guardians permission.
- For competitors under 18, submission of an entry confirms that a parent or legal guardian has provided permission for participation and for any associated media use.
- Riders must wear a properly fitted equestrian riding helmet that complies with a recognised national or international equestrian safety standard appropriate to their country of residence. Examples include PAS015, VG1, EN1384, ASTM F1163, Snell and equivalent recognised standards.
- Appropriate footwear must be worn, this would be a long or short boot with a heel.
- Saddles must be used. English or western saddles are acceptable, other tack must be approved by the Online Bridleless Competitions team prior to entry.
- Riders must comply with competition rules or they will be eliminated and the entry will be forfeit
Equipment Protocols
- Saddles must be used at all times. English or western tack is accepted. If you have other tack it must be approved prior to entry.
- Neck ropes are not compulsory but are advised. Neckropes can be made of soft material or leather. If a neckrope appears to be uncomfortable for the horse or used in a strong manner the judge reserves the right to challenge the use of equipment and forfeit entry.
Welfare
- Horse well-being is vital; any evidence of excessive stress or rough riding will lead to forefeit of entry.
- Online Bridleless Competitions reserves the right to refuse, remove or disqualify entries where behaviour is deemed unsafe, abusive, dishonest, unsporting or contrary to the spirit of the competition.
Horse Requirements
- Horses must be over 4 years of age and competitors must comply with this. If a horse looks like it may be under 4 Online Bridleless Competitions reserves the right to query the horse’ age and proof of age must be provided within 48hrs of request or the competitor will forfeit their entry.
- Horses must be fit and well, including no signs of lameness. Judges reserve the right to query a horse’s health and entry will be forfeit.
Arena Setup
- Standard 20x40 arena or a similar marked out space. Marker letters must be used and as clear as possible on the camera.
- Arena markers must be clearly visible on camera.
- Indoor, outdoor and grass arenas are permitted.
- Cameras must be set up from C and show the horse and rider at all times.
Judging & Conduct
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Good sportsmanship is expected in all community interactions and submissions.
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Rule updates are communicated via the monthly newsletter and our blog.
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Judges' decisions are final but constructive feedback is provided on score sheets. However, administrative errors, incorrect results or technical issues may be queried within 14 days of publication.
Competition Rules
Video Submission Rules
01.
Proper Camera Placement
Record your test from the judge’s position at ‘C’ marker. Ensure the camera is at chest height and well mounted for stability if using a tripod. The horse and rider must be visible at all times.
02.
Technical Video Specs
Videos must be recorded in Landscape (horizontal) mode. Resolution should be at least 1080p for clarity. Edited, altered, AI-generated or digitally manipulated footage is not permitted. Using edited, altered AI-gernerated or digitally manipulated footage will result in forfeit of entry.
Required Format: MP4 or MOV | Min Quality: 1080p @ 30fps
03.
Audio & Sound Requirements
You must introduce yourself, your horse and say the test eg: "June walk & trot 2026" before beginning your test.
Original audio must be preserved, do not add background music or voiceovers. We need to hear the natural sound of your footfalls and horse. A caller is allowed but must be clearly audible.
04.
Submission Process
Upload your video using the Submission Zone when you have logged in. Alternatively you can send an unlisted Youtube link to: info@bridlelessdressagecompetitions.com. Please include your name, horses name, test, and submission reference number.
05.
Media Content
By entering, competitors grant Online Bridleless Competitions permission to use submitted videos, photographs, screenshots and results for promotional, educational and marketing purposes.
Health & Safety Disclaimer
By entering a test, competitors acknowledge that riding horses carries an inherent risk of injury, serious harm, or death to both horse and rider.
Participation in any class, whether ridden with a bridle, neck rope, or completely bridleless, is undertaken entirely at the competitor's own risk.
Online Bridleless Competitions accepts no responsibility or liability for any accident, injury, loss, damage, illness, or death suffered by any horse, rider, handler, spectator, or third party arising from participation in our competitions or the training, filming, or submission of competition entries.
Competitors are solely responsible for assessing their own abilities, the suitability and training of their horse, and the safety of any equipment used. Riders should only compete at a level appropriate to their experience and should prioritise the welfare of their horse at all times.
By purchasing an entry, competitors confirm that:
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They understand and accept the risks associated with riding and handling horses.
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They are competent to participate in the class entered.
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Their horse is fit, healthy, and suitable for the activity undertaken.
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They hold appropriate insurance where applicable.
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They accept full responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their horse.
Online Bridleless Competitions reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, or disqualify entries where safety or horse welfare concerns are identified.
Join the Next Class
Entries for each month's test close on the 25th of each month. Participation Fee: £14.00 GBP per class. Submissions must be received by 23:30pm on the last day of the month.
We award rosettes to a minimum of 1st–3rd place in every class, with additional placings added as entry numbers increase (one extra rosette for every four entries).
Results and score sheets will be emailed directly to competitors within 10 working days of the competition closing date. Results will also be available on our blog and social media.
Rosettes and any prizes (where applicable) will be posted on the same day that results are released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Support?
We're here to help you with technical submission queries, eligibility checks, or rule clarifications. Please reach out via email or connect with us directly.
Competition Fees
Standard entry fees start from £14.00 GBP per class.